New thermoset aimed at mass transit uses

By: Michael Lauzon

November 6, 2013

AOC LLC has debuted a high-performance resin system it claims is well suited to thermoset composites in mass transit uses.

Firepel K120-MTA is halogen-free and does not need antimony trioxide or aluminum trihydrate to achieve flame retardance. The one-part system features a proprietary intumescent mechanism and provides excellent wet-out and spray characteristics andcrack resistance. AOC of Collierville, Tenn., claims the resin leads to lighter-weight and stronger parts that are easy to fabricate compared with mineral-filled resins.

The new product has lower specific gravity than conventional systems, noted AOC vice president of marketing Fletcher Lindberg. Its halogen-free chemistry exceeds mass transit specifications in North America. It is designed for hand layup and spray-up processes.